Best Campgrounds near Swannanoa, NC

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Swannanoa. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Swannanoa, North Carolina (432)

    1. Asheville East KOA

    52 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (828) 686-3121

    $50 / night

    "We parked our camper right next to the Swannanoa River in the KOA Asheville East and had a stellar Memorial day weekend."

    "It was next to the Swannanoa River and beautiful. This is a KOA holiday but very family friendly and had lots of activities, a lake with boats and kayaks, and other summer fun things."

    2. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    62 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    16 miles
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $37 - $135 / night

    "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean. There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside."

    "PROS  Discounted camp fee with senior pass 

    Reserved 169 days prior to arriving 

    Friendly and helpful gate attendant 

    Nearly 100% shade at each site 

    Excellent dark sky viewing 

    Private sites with"

    3. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground

    28 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (828) 686-4258

    $75 - $200 / night

    "Just off I-40 in Swannanoa. This is an amazing full hookup camp."

    "It was level had tons of shade and even though you are close to your neighbors the sites are situated so that it doesn’t feel like you’re on top of each other."

    4. Curtis Creek Campground

    24 Reviews
    Old Fort, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    $10 / night

    "I would not recommend this for someone unfamiliar with driving a rig but once we got there it was amazing."

    "Was able to get two sites right next to each other outside the main campsite area which was great."

    5. Montreat Family Campground

    15 Reviews
    Montreat, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 572-2257

    $25 / night

    "You’ll feel like you have the forest to yourself, with tons of pretty plants all around you. It’s down a short path (a bit tricky to navigate) and tucked away between the creek and small stream."

    "We abandoned plans to stay at place in Old Fort (see listing for Catawba Falls) and ended up here as a last chance before having to hit a hotel to turn back around to CLT.  "

    6. Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    26 Reviews
    Montreat, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-5616

    $28 - $56 / night

    "They'll deliver firewood ($5) to your site by golf cart, they even will collect your site fees as they drive around."

    "This is a wonderful spot to be to explore the surrounding areas:

    • The famous Mount Mitchell trail, starts a short walking distance from the campground."

    7. Mount Mitchell State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Pisgah National Forest, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-4611

    $27 / night

    "The campground is open from May 1 to Oct 31...but if you walk-in to the sites, as in via the trails, you can rent a site amost all year. Tent sites are small, but nice."

    "There are plenty of tent camping sites along the Mountain to Sea trail and throughout the park. I camped by Commissary Ridge next to a small Creek and an excellent view of sunrise."

    8. Rutledge Lake RV Resort

    19 Reviews
    Fletcher, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 654-7873

    "Easy off the highway but far enough to be quiet. Lots of dining options close by"

    "campground was decent Fishing pond has a lot of ducks and seaweed

    Laundry room was nice and large - easy and quick to get 3 loads done

    Waterfront site was fairly level and loved being able to walk"

    9. Creekside Mountain Camping

    16 Reviews
    Gerton, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 625-4257

    "Nice creek running nearby and a few short walking paths. The drive to spruce pine is scenic and long but head back toward bat cave and there ade neat little adventures to have with the kiddos."

    "This was a great little spot away from the hustle and bustle of the highway. Very close to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Pool was clean. Arcade on site."

    10. Campfire Lodgings

    15 Reviews
    Weaverville, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 658-8012

    "We had a premium site overlooking the French Broad River and the surrounding valley. Breathtaking. It is a clean campground with very nice hosts. The shower house was dated but clean."

    "The staff keep the location very tidy. My campsite was sufficiently distant from the more active RV area to feel removed. Situated in the woods on top of a mountain."

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Recent Reviews near Swannanoa, NC

1925 Reviews of 432 Swannanoa Campgrounds


  • C
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Steele Creek Park & Campground

    Extra fees

    Sooo...went to book online. Selected my site and started the payment process. I was greeted by a pop-up stating that if I want to lock in my site, I'd have to pay an additional $20 fee.

    Okay, let me get this straight: I reserve a specific site for specific reasons, then the campground tells me they have the right to move me to a site of their choosing unless I pay them an additional $20?

    No thanks. Just lost my business. I'm sure it's a nice place, but really?

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Wilson's Riverfront RV Park

    September stay

    Grass on lots high, nice concrete spots, full hookup in good shape.

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    Great campground!

    As a solo traveler that doesn’t like excessive noise or want to be near kids, I just wanted peace and quiet to relax and listen to the sounds of nature. The owner, Jeanie(hopefully I’m spelling that right) understood completely and was sure to put me in a site where she knew the surrounding sites would be empty for the entirety of my stay and she was sure not to book anyone near me. Yes, the sites are fairly close together, but I stayed during the week and was able to enjoy most of the place to myself ….or at least the area of the campground that I was in. When I extended my stay an extra night, she was sure to warn me that there was a family with kids coming that night and that they’d be in my vicinity. I couldn’t have asked for a better campground host! She had all the info on waterfalls in the area which minimized my planning time/time staring at my phone. And the fact that the place is all pea gravel really makes a difference! It rained the first couple days I was there and my tent wasn’t a muddy mess which is always a plus!

    The bathrooms and showers were clean and the camp store had just about everything you could possibly need in a pinch. Firewood and ice were priced fairly, making it very convenient if you forgot to grab either one while you were out for the day. Will definitely be back! Actually, I can’t wait to go back!

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Starlight Hills Campground

    Mudpit

    If it’s going to rain while you’re here, I suggest finding another campground. I don’t mind dealing dirt while I camp but at this point, it’s a mud pit and all of my gear is covered in mud. My gear cleanup is going to take 10x longer than it usually does! And be sure to treat your tent with permethrin or be prepared to have daddy long legs take over. I’ve been camping all my life and I’ve dealt with a few of them in between the roof of my tent and the rain fly….no big deal. But on my first night, there was at least 50 in there! I couldn’t leave my tent without having them crawl all over me and trying to get into the tent. It was like fighting a losing battle because there were so many and they just swarm you. Couldn’t even sit my feet still by the fire without having them crawl over my feet or up my chair. I know we’re just in the woods but it’s definitely not worth the money per night. All of the other campgrounds that I’ve payed this much for are on pea gravel with nice drainage or on grass….with nice amenities…or at least actual bathrooms, not porta potties. The camp host never came by my site like the messages that I received stated. Granted, he said to call if I needed anything and that they’re on property, but I never met anyone and when I would call, I got “hello” that’s it. Not “hello, this is ___” or “starlight hills campground, how can I help you”. Very impersonal. Will not be back.

  • Isabelle C.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground

    Indian Creek Campground in Cherokee, NC is a hidden gem. Nice hosts, clean facilities in the woods. We have a 25 ft pull behind camper and sites are big enough for slide-outs. Picknick table and campfire ring was on site. We had a 30 amp full hook-up site. Campground has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, clean bathhouse and is dog friendly.

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Roan Mountain State Park Campground

    New Favorite Campground

    This is my new favorite campground! There are trees everywhere and there really isn't a bad spot! Some sites were right on the creek (sites 40 and 41 were great). The tent camping area is beautiful and one of the best I've seen. We were at site 9, one of the only pull-through sites. We had water and electric and some sites have FHU. There are a lot of beautiful hikes in the area. No cell service, but there is (slow) wifi throughout the campground. There is a Verizon hotspot to make calls, but I couldn't connect with US Cellular. We will definitely be back!

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Gorges State Park Campground

    CAUTION: steep grades and curvy road

    This campground would’ve gotten five stars except for the road getting there was pretty exciting. The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down. Other than that, this campground was super nice. Has the nicest showers I have ever seen in a campground. All the sites for RVs are on concrete pads with electric, water, and sewer. This was a great staging point for our trip up to the great Smoky Mountains. The visitor center was very informative.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Amazing views and Free camping

    This place is amazing, Free and clean campsites.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Campfire Lodgings

    Tent camping

    Tent camping sites are walk in, down hill, obviously thar means hauling your stuff out uphill when you leave. RVers have a great view from the ridge top. But a difficult day camping is far better than any day at work.


Guide to Swannanoa

Camping near Swannanoa, North Carolina, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor adventures and serene nature experiences. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next getaway.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hikes, with one reviewer from Davidson River Campground mentioning, "Hiked the North Slope nearly 4 miles wore out the dogs perfectly!"
  • Fishing: The local rivers and lakes are great for fishing. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground noted, "There are plenty of small mouth bass to be claimed as well!"
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the water. Campers at Lake Powhatan appreciated the "fun little lake beach" that’s perfect for kids.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at Bear Den Family Campground said, "Bathrooms are clean and there is a laundry."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers often enjoy the peaceful surroundings. A visitor at Smokemont Campground shared, "It was rainy so maybe that deterred some campers, but we had a great time."
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer at Greenbrier Campground mentioned, "The staff was very nice."

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception. A camper at Cosby Campground noted, "No cell or TV service here."
  • Crowded sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Julian Price Park Campground mentioned, "The campground is conveniently located near Blowing Rock and other sights on the Parkway."
  • No showers at some sites: Certain campgrounds, like Smokemont Campground, do not have shower facilities, so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. A reviewer at Greenbrier Campground said, "Great individual bathroom/shower, activities, a store and free Trolley rides into Gatlinburg."
  • Safety first: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "The lake was close enough for my 7 & 8 year olds to bike."
  • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy during hikes. A visitor at Davidson River Campground appreciated the nearby coffee truck, saying, "It was great to have the coffee truck 5 mins away outside the campground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA noted, "The sites are extremely tight for navigating, parking, and camping."
  • Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks. A visitor at Asheville East KOA mentioned, "Trains come through near the park at all hours of the day and night."
  • Bring extra supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A camper at Lake Powhatan pointed out, "There is no camp store for extra supplies."

Camping near Swannanoa, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With plenty of activities and beautiful campgrounds, you’re sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is KOA Swannanoa located in North Carolina?

The KOA Swannanoa is located in western North Carolina, near Asheville. The campground is situated in the Swannanoa Valley, conveniently located between Asheville and Black Mountain, with easy access to attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and downtown Asheville. Nearby alternatives include Indian Creek Campground, which offers peaceful creekside camping with private, well-maintained sites and clean facilities.

What camping options are available near Swannanoa for tent campers?

The Swannanoa area offers excellent tent camping options. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina provides spacious, shaded sites with good privacy, clean facilities, and access to hiking trails. For a more rustic experience, Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry offers beautiful 6000-foot elevation tent pitching spots along the Appalachian Trail, though you'll need to bring a lantern and cook stove as firewood is scarce.

What camping is available near Swannanoa, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Swannanoa, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 432 campgrounds and RV parks near Swannanoa, NC and 35 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Swannanoa, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Swannanoa, NC is Asheville East KOA with a 4-star rating from 52 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Swannanoa, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 free dispersed camping spots near Swannanoa, NC.

What parks are near Swannanoa, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 parks near Swannanoa, NC that allow camping, notably Pisgah National Forest and National Forests in North Carolina.